Storyline 2: Using the Size and Position Window

The Size and Position window lets you control an object’s height, width, rotation, scale, crop, and location. It's also where you enter alternative text, which is important for learners who rely on screen readers.

Accessing the Size and Position Window

Select the object you want to customize, then use any of the following methods to access the Size and Position window.

Press Ctrl+Shift+Enter on your keyboard.

Go to the Format tab on the ribbon and click the arrow in the lower right corner of the Size group.

Right-click the object and choose Size and Position.

When the Size and Position window appears, click the tabs along the left edge to set your options. See below for details.

Sizing, Rotating, and Cropping Objects

Height and Width: Enter the height and width in pixels. If the Lock aspect ratio box (in the middle of the window) is marked, the width will automatically adjust when you change the height—and vice versa—to maintain the object’s proportions. (Tip: Another way to quickly change an object’s size is to select the object, go to the Format tab on the ribbon, then enter values in the Height and Width fields.)

Rotation: Enter a rotation value in degrees. A positive number rotates the object clockwise; a negative number rotates it counterclockwise. (Tip: Another way to rotate an object is to drag its rotation handle.)

Scale Height and Scale Width: Use these fields to adjust the size of the object using percentages (of the original size). If the Lock aspect ratio box is marked, the scale width will automatically adjust when you change the scale height—and vice versa—to maintain the object’s proportions. (Tip: If you'd prefer to resize the object using pixels rather than percentages, use the Height and Width fields at the top of the window.)

Crop from: Use these fields to crop the object by a specific number of pixels. The cropping options are only available for pictures, screenshots, and characters. (Tip: Another way to crop is to select the object, go to the Format tab on the ribbon, and click Crop. Then, drag the black cropping handles that appear on the edges of the object.)

Reset: Click this button to reset the object to its original size. This option is only available for pictures, screenshots, characters, videos, and Flash files.

Positioning Objects

Although it's easy to move an object on your slide just by dragging it, sometimes you might need more control over its exact position. Use the Horizontal and Vertical fields to enter a pixel value. Use the From selectors to choose a relative location.

Adding Alternate Text to Objects

Use the Alt Text tab to set accessibility options that affect screen readers and keyboard navigation.

By default, screen readers announce each object on the slide according to its name in the timeline panel. Here are two ways to modify this behavior:

Object is visible to accessibility tools: This box is marked for all objects by default. Uncheck it if you'd prefer that the selected object not be detected by screen readers and keyboard navigation. For example, if you have objects on the slide that don't contribute to the content's meaning, such as aesthetic elements (rectangles, lines, etc.), it's a good idea to uncheck this box for those objects.

Alternate text: If you'd like screen readers to use a description that's different from what appears in the timeline panel, enter that alternate text here.

Another way to add or edit alternate text is to use the Tab Order window.